I held his paw and slept by his side for 14 days in hospital. But it turned out, all the love in the world wasn’t enough to save him. Thus begins the final post on Life of Dozer.
My dearest Dozer,
You came into my life in my arms, holding you protectively. And after almost 14 years together, I held you in my arms protectively again as I said goodbye.
I was sobbing so hard, I forgot everything I wanted to say to you in our final moments together.
So I started writing this letter to you, to say all those things.
I wanted to reminisce about our wonderful times – the thousands of visits to the dog beach, all the wonderful food we sampled together, the cuddles, the neck-scratching-sessions, our road trips.
I wanted to thank you for spreading the joy that is you with readers all around the world, for happily coming along with me to meet readers at events, book signings, fund raisers, lunches, dinners, not to mention TV shows, photo shoots, and my gosh, we can’t forget our stint on Play School!
But as I sit here, typing away with tears streaming down my face, I realise that’s not what I want to say to you.
What I want to say is thank you.
Thank you for giving me your whole heart.
Thank you for giving me your unconditional loyalty.
Thank you for loving me just as I am, for all my flaws, for never caring what I weigh, what I wear, what I look like.
Thank you for always being there, my one constant through the good and bad times.
Thank you for making me smile, even on the hardest of days.
And thank you for trying so hard to stay with me as long as you could, fighting to heal until your very last day. I will never forget how deep you had to dig to find the strength for your rehab walk on our final morning together.
I know that one day, I will be able to look at photos of you again without sobbing. And I know all this pain I am feeling is because I loved you so fiercely and completely, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second I got to spend with you.
But right now, four days after saying goodbye, it feels like the heartbreak will never heal, like I will never smile again.
Rest in peace, my darling Dozer. I will never forget you, and I will never stop loving you.
Love,
Your mum xoxo
Thank you SASH
To the vets and nurses at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH),
Thank you for the extraordinary care, skill, and kindness you showed Dozer. Every moment, from the medical expertise to the gentle reassurance and cheering him on, meant more to me than I can say. Knowing he was in such capable, compassionate hands gave me comfort during the hardest days. I will always be deeply grateful for everything you did for my beautiful boy. – Nagi x
Dear Nagi. So sorry. Just to say please take your time to get up an going again. Time doesn’t heal but it gives you the space to adapt. Dozer was one in a million. xxx
Nagi, I have no words that will take away your grief. Dozer will remain in not just your memories but in the hearts of so many, the world over. I will miss him on your site.
Much love ,Priya
Dear Nagi,
Very sorry you lost your love🐾 I loved watching your antics together . May his paw print stayed etched on your heart . Stay kind to your self and let your heart heal 💐
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even look at pictures of Dozer without weeping. He had exactly the same birthday as my dog, who died last July. It is brutal to lose them.
Hi Nagi, just wanted to convey my condolences on the loss of your beautiful side kick Dozer 💔 My heart breaks for you as I know first hand what your loss feels like. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but you will heal from this in time, and you will find comfort on your many memories that you made together. Thinking of you & sending hugs xo ❣️
God, so sorry for your loss. Just read the news, shame on me. Condolences. Dozer was such a radiant creature, can’t imagine how it feels.
Take care. Our beloved ones know we miss them🖤
Love to you and Sweet Sweet Dozer in Heaven . Say ” hi” to my Sweet Angel, Marley , Dozer. He got his wings just 2 months before you . Thank you Sweet Sweet Puppernutters. Hugs and kisses my loves.
Nagi, I cried when I read your post because I could relate to it 100%. In 2020, we lost our dear Pele (black Lab Border Collie) when he was 14. I laid beside him and held his paw until he took his last breath. He was the best dog–gentle, loving, faithful, smart–and was alongside me during many triumphs, trials, and adventures. I cried frequently after his loss and still get emotional when I see his picture. I pray you feel God’s comfort. As someone said, “I don’t know if there are dogs in heaven, but I will snap my fingers and whistle for mine.” Thank you for sharing.
Nagi-I am so sorry to hear about Dozer! I always loved hearing about the antics you both got in too. Wishing you peace and may all the wonderful memories help ease your sorrow!
So very beautifully written and heartfelt, Nagi. I, like so many, cried the whole way through reading your tribute. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your cherished soul mate, Dozer.
I believe they are sent here for just a short time to teach and show us true love. Love never dies, it just changes form. In my thoughts and may God bless & keep you. From Northern Ireland.
Nagi, your writing is so heartfelt and exquisite. Like many others, I sobbed when reading your tribute. I sincerely regret the loss of Dozer, your beloved soul partner.
I think they are only here for a little period of time to impart knowledge and demonstrate genuine love. Love only changes forms; it never dies. May God bless and keep you, and you are in my thoughts. from Ireland’s north.
Nagi – I have followed you from early days when I chanced on your Recipe Tin Eats website. This lovely fun woman who makes the tastiest easy recipes, who has the cutest dog as a taste tester observing and following her around. How perfect and how could I not love you both.
Dozer is special, you are special and the company you run is special. Thank-you for sharing openly those moments with Dozer, the love he had for his mum was obvious. He enjoyed the best food and often I wished I was Dozer trying all your recipes. I hope you realize the love you gave to us all is now coming back to you in spades.
I am so very sorry to read of the loss of Dozer. As much as I enjoy your recipes I loved seeing the pictures of Dozer. My sympathies.
Dogs… they are more than that. They sneak into your kitchens and then our hearts. Before you know it, it’s 10 years gone and they leave us and we are heart broken. And after a while… we do it again. We love them and they love us more. Deep condolences and love
Hi Nagi,
I would like to send my condolences to you over the passing of Dozer
It sounds like he was your soul mate dog and best friend . He knew you loved him very very much and vise vera. That is hard. Peace be with you, Nagi.
I’ve had dogs and loved them all for over 30 years.
I have a 3 year old border collie Ben he will
be 4 in may.
He has very orange fur with white markings.
When the time for him is to leave, It will be very, very hard like your Dozza.
He is my soul mate dog my best friend. I know that feeling.
My heart goes out to you because I feel that the bond between you was very strong. The truth is dogs grow old fast. By what you said, you gave him a perfect life, and he gave one back to
You.
Big hugs and healing for you Nagi.
Hi Nagi,
I would like to send my condolences to you over the passing of Dozer
It sounded like he was your soul mate dog, best friend.
I’ve had dogs and loved them all for over 30 years.
I have a 3 year old border collie Ben he will
be 4 in may.
He is a very orange fur with white markings.
When the time for him to leave It will be very very hard like your Dozza.
He is my soul mate dog.
My heart goes out to you because I feel that the bond between you was very strong. The truth is dogs grow old fast. By what you said you gave him a perfect life and he gave one back to
You.
Big hugs and healing for you.
Nagi, it took me two weeks to read this email when I saw the opening line as I just lost my 17 year old kitty at the beginning of the year. I know the heartbreak you are going through and wish you loving, healing memories of your life with Dozer. Thank you for sharing him with us. ❤️🩹
Hi Nagi,
I would like to send my condolences to you over the passing of Dozer.
It sou ded like he was your soul mate dog best friend.
I’ve had dogs and loved them all for over 30 years.
I have a 3 year old border collie Ben he will
be 4 in may.
He is a very orange fur with white markings.
When the time for him to leave will be very very hard like your Dozza.
My heart goes out to you because I feel that the bond between you to was very strong. The truth is dogs grow old fast. By what you said you gave him a perfect life and he gave one back to
You.
Big hugs and healing for you.
Im soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry nagi he was probs a great dog
Nagi, I am so very sorry for the loss of your gorgeous Dozer and your heartbreak as you adjust to living without him. You loved him dearly and that is evident. It’s also evident how very much Dozer loved you and gave the best of himself to you. . Thank you for all you’ve done for him and all you continue to do in bringing us such yummy recipes. I’ll be praying for you during this tough time.
Sending you all my love Nagi, Dozer was the best boy and so very lucky to be thoroughly loved.
Hi Nagi
Just finished eating one of your yummy recipes and thought of Dear Dozer. Then discovered the sad news. Shedding tears . Sincere condolences Nagi. We are all grieving for him.xx
.